Winding machine

ABSTRACT

A winding machine incorporating yarn-traversing mechanism having a pair of oppositely moving belt spans, each provided with yarnengaging guides or fingers operable in a yarn-traversing zone to move the yarn along a path in a controlled manner to wind a package of yarn, the yarn being transferred at each end of the package from an active finger traversing the yarn in one direction axially of the package to an oppositely moving finger. In the yarn-traversing zone each of the belt spans moves generally parallel to the axis of the package being wound. Means are provided for causing the yarn to slide gradually outwardly along the finger which is traversing it as the yarn progresses axially across the package. Said means is so configured that the yarn is caused to disengage from its finger at a locus corresponding to an end of said package whereupon the yarn is disposed for immediate engagement by an oppositely moving finger which traverses the yarn in the opposite direction. Reciprocation of the yarn axially to and fro of the package is thus achieved.

United States Patent m M .8 %WOR vm all-c 2 Yv. HWHWMIMB WNB J w m M n L 8 w wmmm h AFPA w. USH U HRHU ABSTRACT: A winding machine incorporating yamtraversing mechanism having a pair of oppositely moving belt spans, each provided with yarn-engaging guides or fingers operable in a yarn-traversing zone to move the yarn along a path in a controlled manner to wind a package of yarn, the

he package from an acyam being transferred at each end of t w F m HI mm Mm mm mm wm M tive finger traversing the yarn in one direction axially of the package to an oppositely moving finger. In the yam-traversing zone each of the belt spans moves gen of the package being wound. Means .me r.

mm mm m r n e r m 242/43, 242/158 B B65h 54/28 [51] tm. the yam to slide gradually outwardly along the finger which is [50] Field of traversing it as the yarn progresses axially across the package. 7 Said means is so configured that the yarn is caused to disengage from its finger at a locus corresponding to an end of said package whereupon the yarn is disposed for immediate en- References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS gagement by an oppositely moving finger which traverses the 4/ 1941 2,238,128 Nydegger..................... 242/158 B X yarn in the opposite direction. Reciorocation of the yarn axi- 3,294,327 12/1966 Horwood...................... 242/158 B X ally to and fro of the package is thus achieved.

PATENTEIlJuLzmn 3.599494 v INVENTOR. 36 WILLIAM V. GOQDHUE ATTORNEYS WINDING MACHINE The present invention relates to a winding machine and is directed, more particularly, to a winding machine incorporating improved traversing mechanism for directing a strand of yarn onto a takeup package, especially at very high speeds, i.e., in the order of 5,000-6,000 y.p.m. and higher.

In the following specification and claims it is to be understood that the term yarn" is used in the general sense to apply to all kinds of strand material either textile or otherwise, and the designation package" is intended to mean the product of a winding machine, whatever its form.

In the high-speed winding of yarn such as is practiced when extruded polymer filaments manufactured in melt spinning operations are taken up, it is known to use a winding machine incorporating traversing mechanism comprising a plurality of traversing guides or fingers connected to oppositely moving endless members such as belts, tapes, chains, etc., for traversing the yarn to-and-fro axially of a package core to thus wind the yarn into-a package on the core. Customarily, the endless members move in opposite rectilinear paths and, at each end of the package, reversal of the yarn is effected by transferring the yarn from a first one of the yarn fingers moving in one direction to a second of the yarn fingers moving in an opposite direction relative to the package core axis. In order that stitch-free, uniformly contoured and, thus, commercially acceptable yarn packages may be wound with this technique, it is necessary that reversal of the yarn ateach end of the package be instantaneous and, further, that reversal occur at the same point at each transfer this point, of course, being the respective package ends. To achieve this'desired result it has been proposed to arrange the oppositely moving endless members so that they move in paths which are at an angle inclined to the axis of the yarn package, the'angles of the two spans being equal to each other but inclined in opposite senses so that they cross each other in a line corresponding generally to the axial midpoint of the package being wound. In practice with mechanisms of this type, the yarn is constrained to move in a path parallel to the package axis as it is traversed to-and-fro by the yam-engaging fingers on the oppositely moving endless members. Consequently, as the yarn is moved from one end of the package to the other, engaged on a given yarn finger, the yarn slides outwardly-relative to said finger and finally drops off over the tip of the finger proximate to one end of the package. At this point an oncoming finger in a companion endless member moving in anopposite sense picks the yarn up to move it toward the opposite package end, the yarn again progressively sliding outwardly of said finger to a point corresponding to said opposite end of the package where it ultimately drops off the finger for engagement by another oppositely moving fin'ger. These repetitive yarn traversing steps take place until a package of given diameter is ultimately wound.

Winding machine incorporating traverse mechanisms having crossed belt spans such as those just referred to have proven to be successful and efficient mechanisms for traversing yarn onto a takeup core at high speeds. However, quite understandably, the supporting mechanism including the guiding pulleys, sprockets, etc., and other structures which operate to guide the oppositely moving belt spans in the aforedescribed crisscross paths must be constructed in a rather complex manner to direct the spans properly while, at the same time, providing stability to the spans as the move their yam-engaging fingers along to traverse the yarn axially of the package.

The present invention represents improvement upon the traversing mechanism such as those just described. According to the instant invention means are provided for guiding oppositely moving belt spans in paths which are substantially rectilinear and generally parallel to the axis of the package core and the spindle upon which the core is mounted. As previously described, each belt span carries one or more yarnengaging finger, the oppositely moving fingers operating alternately to engage an advancing strand of yarn and move it axially to-and-fro of the package core to thus build a yarn package. Means in the form of yarn-guiding members having surfaces which engage the yarn as it is moved to-and-fro by the yarn-engaging fingers are provided. These members act to manipulate the path of the advancing yarn cooperatively with movement of the yarn by the fingers. More particularly, the members function to continuously alter the vertical path of movement of the yarn simultaneously with its advance to the takeup spindleand during its traversal movement by the yarntraversing fingers to thereby situate the yarn in a position for precise transfer from one yarn-engaging finger to an oppositely moving one at loci corresponding with each end of the package. One of the yarn guiding members is configured to cause the yarn to move progressively outward on an active yarn engaging finger as the yarn moves axially of the package core in one direction and to cause the yarn to slide off the end of the yam-engaging finger as the yarn reaches one end of the package whereupon the yarn is instantly picked up by an oppositely moving finger to be traversed in the opposite direction. A further yarn guiding member operates similarly to cause the yarn to be progressively moved off this oppositely moving finger and to be discharged therefrom at a point corresponding to the opposite end of the package for instantaneous pickup by another oppositely moving finger. These steps are repeated until a package of desired diameter is wound.

In accordance with the foregoing, it is one object of the present invention to provide a traverse mechanism capable of traversing yam at high speeds onto a core to form a package having parallel walls and uniform peripheral contour.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a traverse mechanism capable of traversing yarn at high speeds onto a core to form a package of yarn wherein the traversing mechanism includes yarn-engaging fingers mounted on a pair of oppositely moving belt spans which are movable through a yarn traversing zone in paths parallel to the axis of the core for traversing the yarn.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a traversing mechanism for traversing yarn axially of arotating c0re to wind a package and for controlling the point of reversal of the yarn at each end of the package with precision to thereby form a package having rigid, parallel end walls.

Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a yam-traversing mechanism which includes a pair of oppositely moving belt spans adapted to travel in paths parallel to the axis of the package and its supporting spindle, said spans being provided with yarn-engaging fingers for moving the yarn axially of a package core to thereby wind the package, and said traversing mechanism further including means for displacing the yarn progressively across each yarn-engaging finger as said finger moves the yarn across the package, the yarn being ultimately displaced from engagement with the finger in a zone corresponding to an end of said package.

Further objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing the construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a conventional yarn takeup machine incorporating the novel yarntraversing mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is generally a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with parts broken away to show details of the traversing mechanism;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a portion of the traversing mechanism of the present invention showing details of the yam-guiding members;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mechanism of FIG. 3 and indicating the path which the yarn assumes in various positions during its traverse across the yarn-guiding members by a yarn-engaging finger; and

FIGS. 5 through 7 are detail views taken alonglines V-V, Vl-Vl and Vll-Vll, respectively, of FIG. 3 indicating the relationship of the yarn with the yarn traversing fingers during various stages of yarn traversal and showing the relationship of the several components during transfer of the yarn from one finger to another at each end of the package.

From the broad or general view the present invention contemplates the provision of a pair of endless timing belts each of which is provided with a plurality of yarn traversing fingers. The fingers are supported on their respective belt spans and project laterally therefrom. The belts are carried on associated guide means such as timing pulleys which serve to track and drive the belts. it is to be understood that the belt spans move in opposite directions to thereby effect reciprocation or traversal movement of the yarn axially to-and-fro relative to a rotatable package core and its supporting spindle. The belt spans are arranged to move in generally rectilinear, parallel paths which are also parallel to the axis of the package core and its supporting spindle in the yarn-traversing zone. Yarn guiding members are provided across which the yarn passes during its advance form a supply to the takeup core. These guiding members are operative to vary the attitude of the yarn in the zone where the yarn is acted on by the yarn-engaging fingers. in consequence thereof, the yarn is removed from a one of the traversing finger moving the yarn in one direction axially of the package and is instantaneously engaged by an oncoming yarn finger moving in the opposite direction. As a result of repetition of these actions the yarn is traversed back and forth across the package. Further, by virtue of the fact that these traversing steps are repeated with precision, accurate reversal of the yarn at each end of the package is achieved while maintaining the peripheral contour of the package uniform.

Referring now in detail to the drawing wherein a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, and with particular reference at the outset to FIG. 1, there is shown a portion of a winding machine of a conventional type, which may be the same as the apparatus disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 2,740,589 to J.V. Keith, issued Apr. 3, 1956, modified as hereafter disclosed. in the winding machine as illustrated winding mechanism 10 is carried on a rockable arm 12. The winding mechanism includes a spindle l4 rotatably supported on arm 12. As disclosed in the cited Keith patent, arm 12 is rockable to move the winding spindle l4 and yarn package P, supported thereon, away from the yarn traversing mechanism at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which the yarn builds up on the package. By this means growth in package diameter is permitted while excessive pressure on the yarn package is avoided. Also, as disclosed in the cited Keith patent, the rotational speed of spindle 14 is controlled as a function of growth in the diameter of package P to maintain the surface speed of the package substantially constant throughout the winding cycle. Spindle 14 is provided with an expansible and contractable mandrel indicated generally at 16 adapted to releasably grip a package core 18 on the spindle. Means such as clamping lever (not shown) is provided for contracting and expanding the mandrel 16 when it is desired to remove a full yarn package P from the machine and replace it with an empty package core 18 prior to com mencement of the winding of a new package. The winding mechanism 10 is driven by suitable means such as an electric motor (not shown) which may be mounted within the base of the machine and connected with the spindle 14 via suitable drive means such as a drive belt which has not been illustrated herein. If desired, the motor may be wound so that it has variable speed characteristics, that is to say, the speed of the motor would increase or decrease as electrical current supplied thereto is increased or decreased. Control for the electrical current to the spindle driving motor may be achieved through a yarn tension device 20 which includes a,rockable arm 22 connected with a motor control circuit, all in the manner well known to those skilled in the winding machine art. All of the foregoing structure is old and well known in the art and further description thereof is not deemed necessary herein, the preceding discussion being presented in the interest of providing a clear and concise understanding of the present invention.

With continuing reference to FIG. 1 it will be seen that yarn Y flows in an upwardly directed path from a yarn tensioning element (not herein shown) to be engaged by traverse mechanism referenced generally by the numeral 30 which serves to traverse the yarn axially of the package core 18 to thereby wind package P. In the course of its upward movement from tension device 20 referenced above, yarn Y passes over the forward, straight edge 31 of a guide plate 32, said edge 30 being parallel to spindle l4 and the plate being affixed to the lower wall 33 of the traverse mechanism housing as by screws 34. From plate 32 yarn Y advances through a channel 36 wherein instrumentalities yet to be described operate to effect traversal of the yarn onto package P, and against a portion of periphery of a roller bail 38 which is supported for rotation proximate to the front end of traverse mechanism 30 in bearing blocks 40, 42. Thus, roller bail 38 provides a rotational surface on which package P is supported during its winding, the yarn flowing onto core 18 and packageP through the nip provided by the line contact of the roller ball 38 and package P.

With reference now particularly to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 wherein the traversing mechanism 30 is shown in greater detail, said mechanism includes a pair of endless timing belts, one of said belts, i.e., belt 50 being displaced above companion belt 52, and both of said belts being movable at constant speeds in opposite directions as indicated by the arrows thereon in H6. 2. Means for guiding and tracking the timing belts 50, 52 are constituted as a series of timing or guiding pulleys which are toothed to be compatible with the timing belts. Thus, a first series of such pulleys 54, 56 58 and 60 are provided for guiding and defining the course of the upper endless belt 50. Similarly, a further series of four guiding pulleys are situated so as to define the course of and track the lower endless timing belt 52. With respect to the series of guiding pulleys guiding the lower timing belt 52 only two of these pulleys are seen in FIG. 2, these being pulleys 62 and 64. It will be understood that a further pair of guiding pulleys for the lower belt 52 are situated directly below pulleys 54 and 60, respectively, and are rotatably supported on the same axes 66, 68 as mount respective guide pulleys 54 and 60. In contradistinction thereto, the forward guide pulleys 56, 58 for upper belt 50 and the pulleys 62 and 64 for lower belt 52 are mounted on independent stub shafts. Thus, guide pulleys 56 and 58 are rotatable on stub shafts 70 and 72 respectively, the axes of these stub shafts are being disposed within the axial confines of package P and the axes of said two stub shafts also being disposed in a plane parallel to the axis of spindle l4 and core 18. Hence, the span of belt 50 which reaches between guide pulleys 56 and 58 runs in a substantially rectilinear path which is generally parallel to the axis of spindle 14. With continuing reference to FIG. 2 it will be seen that guide pulleys 62 and 64 which serve to guide and track the lower belt 52 are carried on stub shaft 74, 76, respectively. The axes of these later two stub shafts 74, 76 reside in the same parallel plane to the axis of spindle 14 as has already been referred to in locating guide pulleys S6, 58. However, the axes of stub shafts 74, 76 are offset within this plane with respect to adjacent stub shafts 70, 72, respectively. To this end and as seen in FIG. 2 stub shaft 70 is located rightwardly from stub shaft 74. At the opposite end of the traverse zone stub shaft 72 is located to the left of shaft 76. Tlhe displacement of the rotational axes of the several pulleys 56, 58 and 62, 64 as just described is not essential to the operation of the present invention. However, it has been found that such offset may contribute to smoother transfer of the yarn from one finger to another, particularly where yarn tension may be variable during winding.

It has been found desirable in certain instances to provide additional pulleys intermediate the series of pulleys ,herein already described for belts 50, 52, especially when each of the belts is caused to extend across a relatively large span in the yarn traversing zone. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, a pair of stabilizing pulleys 80, 82 are rotatably mounted on associated spaced-apart stub shafts 84, 86 which are carried, within the housing of traverse mechanism 30v As is seen in the drawing, the enlarged pulley 80 bridges the width between the front run 5011 of belt 50 and the rear run 50b of said belt to thereby simultaneously both engage both said rear and front runs and provide stability thereto as these elongated runs reach between pulleys S6, 58in their front span and pulleys 54, 60 in their rear span. In like manner the enlarged stabilizing pulley 82 is of sufficient diameter to simultaneously engage the front and rear spans 52a, 52b, respectively of belt 52 to thereby steady this belt during its movement.

As best seen in FIGS. 27, belts 50, 52 have mounted thereon, at spaced intervals, a pair of yam-engaging fingers 90, 92, respectively, each finger being adapted to project into channel 36. So situated each said finger operates to traverse yarn Y axially of package P from one end thereof to the other in a given direction consistent with the direction of movement imparted thereto by its mounting belt 50 or 52. These fingers and their mode of mounting on their respective belts 50, 52 as well as the mounting arrangement for the shafts which carry the guiding pulleys and stabilizing pulleys for belts 50 and 52,

and the motive means for belts 50 and 52 may be the same as that disclosed for similar elements in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 80l,232 filed Feb. 3, I969.

Means have already been alluded to effecting displacement of the yarn from one finger at an end of its traversal path and for positioning the yarn for engagement by tin-oppositely moving finger. This means includes a channel bar 100 which extends along the front wall 102 of the housing of traverse mechanism 30, radially displaced from spindle 14, in a position somewhat above guide plate 32, and with the major portion thereof spaced from the front wall 102 as best seen in FIGS. 13. For purposes of attachment of channel bar 100, the front wall 102 has a pair of projecting tabs I04 affixed thereto, each of which has a threaded hole therein for reception of a clamp screw 106. Channel bar 100 includes an upper yarn guide member 108, a lower yarn guide member 110, and a web 112 which joins the upper and lower members. The upper and lower members 108, 110 extend across the full length of the yarn traversing zone in generally parallel, spaced-apart positions, as seen in FIGS. l3. At each end of the lower yarn guide member 110 an ear 114 is formed integrally therewith, these cars having a slot 116 therein to accommodate the shank of screws 106 but sufficiently small for the head of screws 106 to bear thereon as the screws are seated in the threaded holes in tabs 104. At each end of upper guide member 108 there is a forwardly projecting tab 117 provided a relatively wide slot 118 which permits passage of the screws 106 therethrough to slots 116. The spacing of channel bar 100 from front wall 102 of housing 30 is adjustable and this is achieved by loosing screws 106 and sliding member 100 along slots 116 until it is suitably situated.

With particular attention now to FIGS. 3-7 it will be seen that the forward edges 120, 122 of yarn guide members 108, 110, respectively, are inclined, i.e., they are formed with a constant slope from one end to the other in the area intermediate tabs 114 in the case of lower yarn guide member 110, and intermediate tabs 117 in the case of upper member 108. The sloping edges of yarn guide members 108, 110 corresponding with the yarn-traversing zone through which the yarn is shifted during its advance and traversal onto package P. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 the edges 120, 122 slope in opposite directions. That is, edge 120 slopes outwardly, i.e., away from front wall 102 of traverse housing 30 and away from the path defined by run 50a of belt 50, as said edge extends from left to right relative to said front wall as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3. This slope is at an acute angle, say, in the order of 7 over a l0 inch traversal span. Conversely, edge 122 slopes in the opposite sense and with the same angularity as edge 120. That is, the left-hand end of edge 122, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, is relatively distant from front wall 102 and belt run 52a, and inclines inwardly toward the front wall and toward belt run 52a as it extends to the right.

In operation with the novel apparatus as herein described yarn Y flows from a supply source and is conducted upwardly in a generally vertical path about tension device 20 previously referred to, and then is drawn over edge 31 of elongated guide plate 32 which extends across the full traversal yarn zone. Hence, the yarn is continually in contact with edge 31 as the yarn is laid axially on package I. The front edge 31 of guide plate 32 extends into the vertical plane which is generally that in which web 112 lies. Thus, as the yarn passes through channel 36 on its upwardly extending run to package P it is forced against edge 122 of lower yarn guide bar 110. In its path from edge 122 the yarn is also drawn across edge 120 of yarn guide member 108. To insure continued engagement of the yarn with said edge 120, the yarn is directed in a course to engage tangentially with roller bail 38, the tangent point at which the yarn engages bail 38 being generally in the same plane as edge 31 and web 112. The yarn is engaged on package core 18 after passing through the nip point at which the core, and ultimately the package periphery, engage the roller bail 38.

With the machine so threaded up, the spindle 14 is rotated and the traverse mechanism is operated to actuate belts 50 and 52 in their opposite paths, thus effecting traverse of the yarn axially of core 18. For purposes of the present description, let it be assumed that the belts are moved in the paths indicated by the arrows proximate thereto in the drawing. It is to be understood that the belts could move oppositely to the paths depicted, in which event the angularity of the edges yarn guide members 108, would obviously be reversedv As illustrated in the drawing, top belt 50- moves form left to right of core 18 and spindle 14. It will be recalled that belts 50 and 52 move in paths essentially parallel to spindle 14 and core 18 in consequence of which their associated fingers 90, 92 respectively, are caused to move in corresponding paths. Thus, in operation yarn-engaging finger 90 carries yarn Y from left to right of core 18(FIG. 2) the yarn simultaneously following the lateral path defined by edges 120, 122.

With the yarn so threaded the machine is started to cause rotation of spindle 14 and to operate the traverse mechanism. For purposes of the present description, let it be assumed that the belts 50, 52 are moved in the paths indicated by the arrows adjacent thereto in the drawing. Of course, the belts could move oppositely to the paths depicted and in this event the angularity of edges 120, 122 would obviously be reversed. As traverse mechanism is started upper belt 50 moves from left to right in the yarn-traversing zone, i.e., intermediate pulleys 56 and 58. LOwer belt 52 simultaneously moves oppositely in this same zone. It is to be recalled that belts 50 and 52 also move in paths essentially parallel to the axis of spindle 14 and core 18. Consequently, the yam-engaging fingers 90 mounted on belt 50 and fingers 92 on belt 52 are similarly directed. Thus, in operation, a one of the yarn-engaging fingers 90 seizes yarn Y within channel 36 and moves the strand from left to right of package P, as viewed in FIG. 2. As the yarn is so moved it is also subjected to another component of motion, this resulting in a progressive shifting of the yarn path within channel 36 as controlled by the dispositon of the yarn on edges 120, 122. Viewing FIG. 5 which illustrates the yarn extending from the extreme left-hand end of package P (FIG. 2) into channel 36, the yarn isseen to lay with its upper section, i.e., the section proximate 'to edge and within channel 36 projecting toward spindle 14 and, consequently, into the path of movement of finger 90. However, the lower section of the yarn therein, which is guided over edge 122, is displaced rearwardly, that, is, to the right of, the upper yarn section (viewing FIG. 5) and, hence, away from the traversal path of finger 90. Gradual shifting of the attitude of the yarn within channel 36 takes place during its rightward movement and traversal onto package P. As seen in FIG. 6 the yarn path is approximately end of package P the yarn section close to edge 120 is shifted to a rightward position as seen in H6. 7 while the lower yarn section within channel 36 is thrust forwardly or to the left viewing FIG. 7. The resultant of the shifting of the yarn, asjust described, with respect to the traversing finger 90 is that the yarn is engaged to the fullest depth on said finger 90 as the yarn extends in channel 36 from the left-hand end of the package (FIG. and gradually slides outward on the finger as the finger moves rightward to a point where the yarn drops off over the end of the finger, this disengagement of the yarn from finger 90 occurring as the yarn reaches the right-hand end of package P (FIG. 7). At this time an oppositely moving finger 92 immediately engages the lower section of the yarn which is projected forward by edge 122 (FIG. 7) for traverse toward the opposite or left end of package P, the yarn during this traversal being again wound on package P and again sliding progressively outward on finger 92. When the yarn reaches left end of package P the yarn falls off the end of finger 92 as the finger moves away from the vertical plane of edge 122, where the yarn is again immediately engaged by a further oppositely moving finger 90. By these repetitive motions package P is wound to its desired diameter.

The arrangement of pulleys 56 and 58 on axes offset from companion pulleys 62 and 64 has been described earlier. Such arrangement facilitates the withdrawal of an active one of the yarn-engaging fingers 90, 92 and the presentment of an oppositely moving finger to the yarn traversal path adjacent each package end. Considering the construction as seen best in FIG. 2, it will be seen that at the zone corresponding to the right-hand end of package P, yarn-engaging finger 90 will move around a path defined by a portion of the periphery of pulley 62 and, thus, be removed form the traversal zone of the yarn, i.e., between the opposite package ends, while yarn finger 92 on belt 52 will be carried outward in a path somewhat to the right of the receding finger 90, thereby being fully extended to insure engagement with the yarn upon its release by finger 90. Similarly, in the zone corresponding to the left-hand end of the package yarn engaging finger 90 will recede from engaging with yarn Y simultaneously with engagementof the yarn by finger 92, this latter finger being fully projected into the yarn-traversing zone to insure its prompt engagement with the yarn.

The foregoing combination thus provides a winding machine having traversing mechanism capable of winding up yarn at high speeds, that is, in the order of 5,000-6,000 y.p.m. and higher while producing a wound yarn package having uniform peripheral contour and rigid, parallel sidewalls.

lclaim:

1. Apparatus for traversing an advancing strand of yarn onto a rotating member to thereby wind a package comprising, first yarn-engaging means for traversing said yarn axially of said member in a first direction, second yarn-engaging means for traversing the yarn in a second direction opposite to said first direction, the yarn being transferable between said first and second yarn-engaging means at positions corresponding generally to the ends of said package, and yarn-guiding means for controlling the path of advance of aid yarn, said yarn-guiding means including oppositely inclined surfaces at at least one of said positions to effect disengagement of the yarn from a one of said first and second yarn-engaging means at said one position and generally simultaneously locating the yarn for engagement by the other of said yarn-engaging means.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said first and second yarn-engaging means includes at least one yarnengaging finger connected at its inner end to a movable endless span, and having its outer end projecting from said endless span.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first and second yarn-engaging means during yarn traversal thereby move in paths generally parallel to the axis of said rotatable member.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 including rotatable means for driving and guiding said endless spans.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said rotatable means includes first and second pulleys for guiding each endless span, the first pulleys of each of said first and second spans being located proximate to one package end and the second pulleys of each of said first and second spans being located proximate to a second end of said package, the axes of the respective first pulleys and the axes of the respective second pulleys being offset from each other.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein at least the axis of one of said first and second pulleys of said first span and the axis of one of said first and second pulleys of said second span is disposed within the axial confines of said package.

7. Apparatus for traversing an advancing strand of yarn onto a rotating member comprising, first and second yarn-engaging elements movable in opposite directions to traverse the yarn alternately toward opposite ends of said member to wind a package, a yarn guide interposed in the path of advance of the yarn, said guide including first and second portions extending from a first position adjacent one end of the package to a second position adjacent the opposite end of the package, said portions being oppositely inclined and cooperable to effect generally simultaneous disengagement of the yarn from said first yarn-engaging element and engagement with said second yarn engaging element at said first position and generally simultaneous disengagement of the yarn from said second yarn-engaging element and engagement with said first yarn-engaging element at said second position.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein each of said first and second yarn-engaging elements is connected at its inner end to a movable endless span, and having its outer and projecting from said endless span.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said first and second portions include yarn-engaging surfaces cooperable as each of said first and second elements traverses the yarn to move the yarn progressively from an initial position relatively close to inner end of a one of said yarn-engaging elements traversing the yarn to a disengaging position wherein the yarn slides off the outer end of said element.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said first surface is inclined in a path to project the yarn for engagement by said first yarn-engaging element generally simultaneously with disengagement of the yarn from said second yarn-engaging element and said second surface is inclined in a path to project the yarn for engagement by said second yarn engaging element generally simultaneously with disengagement of the yarn from the first yarn-engaging element.

11. A yarn guide for use with yarn traverse mechanisms having a pail of oppositely moving spans, each of which includes at least one yarn-engaging element adapted to traverse an advancing strand of yarn through a zone axially of a rotating member to wind a package of yarn on said member, said zone having first and second positions generally in planes corresponding to the ends of the package; said yarn guide including a pair of oppositely inclined yarn-guiding surfaces extending across said zone from end to end of said package to engage the yarn during its advance, each said surface being cooperable with an associated one of said yarn guiding elements as said element traverses the yarn to carry the yarn from a first position at one end of said package engaged on said element to a further position where the yarn is disengaged from said element.

12. The combination as set forth in claim 10 wherein said yarn-engaging elements are elongated elements connected at their inner ends to their associated spans and having free outer ends, the yarn being moved progressively outward from proximate said inner end of a one of said elements to the outer end thereof as the yarn is traversed by said one element, the yarn being movable ofi the outer end of said element at said further position.

13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said inclined surfaces define a zone therebetween, and said first and second yarn-traversing means are movable in said zone to traverse the yarn.

14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein the yarn is movable relative to said first and second yarn-engaging means as the yarn is traversed by said last-mentioned means and simultaneously moved through said zone. I

15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein the yarn engage said inclined surfaces as it is traversed by said first and second yam-engaging means, and the attitude of the yarn between said surfaces is changed as the yarn is traversed.

16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said inclined surfaces extend between said positions, and said inclined surfaces are progressively inclined as each extends between said positions.

17 A method of traversing yarn onto a rotating member to wind a package wherein the yarn is advanced to the rotating member while being reciprocated relative to said member by oppositely moving elements comprising the steps of, guiding the yarn through a restricted zone while reciprocating the yarn relative to said member to distribute the yarn thereon, tensioning the yarn in the restricted zone, positioning the yarn within said restricted zone in a first path for engagement by a first one of said elements and disengagement from a second of said elements at a first locus proximate one end of the package, and positioning the yarn within the restricted zone in a second path divergent from said first path for engagement by a second one of said elements and disengagement from said first element at a second locus proximate the opposite end of the package.

18. The method according to claim 17 including the step of progressively moving the position of the yarn within said restricted zone about an axis parallel to said member while reciprocating the yarn. 

1. Apparatus for traversing an advancing strand of yarn onto a rotating member to thereby wind a package comprising, first yarnengaging means for traversing said yarn axially of said member in a first direction, second yarn-engaging means for traversing the yarn in a second direction opposite to said first direction, the yarn being transferable between said first and second yarnengaging means at positions corresponding generally to the ends of said package, and yarn-guiding means for controlling the path of advance of aid yarn, said yarn-guiding means including oppositely inclined surfaces at at least one of said positions to effect disengagement of the yarn from a one of said first and second yarn-engaging means at said one position and generally simultaneously locating the yarn for engagement by the other of said yarn-engaging means.
 2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said first and second yarn-engaging means includes at least one yarn-engaging finger connected at its inner end to a movable endless span, and having its outer end projecting from said endless span.
 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first and second yarn-engaging means during yarn traversAl thereby move in paths generally parallel to the axis of said rotatable member.
 4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 including rotatable means for driving and guiding said endless spans.
 5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said rotatable means includes first and second pulleys for guiding each endless span, the first pulleys of each of said first and second spans being located proximate to one package end and the second pulleys of each of said first and second spans being located proximate to a second end of said package, the axes of the respective first pulleys and the axes of the respective second pulleys being offset from each other.
 6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein at least the axis of one of said first and second pulleys of said first span and the axis of one of said first and second pulleys of said second span is disposed within the axial confines of said package.
 7. Apparatus for traversing an advancing strand of yarn onto a rotating member comprising, first and second yarn-engaging elements movable in opposite directions to traverse the yarn alternately toward opposite ends of said member to wind a package, a yarn guide interposed in the path of advance of the yarn, said guide including first and second portions extending from a first position adjacent one end of the package to a second position adjacent the opposite end of the package, said portions being oppositely inclined and cooperable to effect generally simultaneous disengagement of the yarn from said first yarn-engaging element and engagement with said second yarn-engaging element at said first position and generally simultaneous disengagement of the yarn from said second yarn-engaging element and engagement with said first yarn-engaging element at said second position.
 8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein each of said first and second yarn-engaging elements is connected at its inner end to a movable endless span, and having its outer end projecting from said endless span.
 9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said first and second portions include yarn-engaging surfaces cooperable as each of said first and second elements traverses the yarn to move the yarn progressively from an initial position relatively close to inner end of a one of said yarn-engaging elements traversing the yarn to a disengaging position wherein the yarn slides off the outer end of said element.
 10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said first surface is inclined in a path to project the yarn for engagement by said first yarn-engaging element generally simultaneously with disengagement of the yarn from said second yarn-engaging element and said second surface is inclined in a path to project the yarn for engagement by said second yarn engaging element generally simultaneously with disengagement of the yarn from the first yarn-engaging element.
 11. A yarn guide for use with yarn traverse mechanisms having a pair of oppositely moving spans, each of which includes at least one yarn-engaging element adapted to traverse an advancing strand of yarn through a zone axially of a rotating member to wind a package of yarn on said member, said zone having first and second positions generally in planes corresponding to the ends of the package; said yarn guide including a pair of oppositely inclined yarn-guiding surfaces extending across said zone from end to end of said package to engage the yarn during its advance, each said surface being cooperable with an associated one of said yarn guiding elements as said element traverses the yarn to carry the yarn from a first position at one end of said package engaged on said element to a further position where the yarn is disengaged from said element.
 12. The combination as set forth in claim 10 wherein said yarn-engaging elements are elongated elements connected at their inner ends to their associated spans and having free outer ends, the yarn being moved progressively outward from proximate said inner end of a one of sAid elements to the outer end thereof as the yarn is traversed by said one element, the yarn being movable off the outer end of said element at said further position.
 13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said inclined surfaces define a zone therebetween, and said first and second yarn-traversing means are movable in said zone to traverse the yarn.
 14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein the yarn is movable relative to said first and second yarn-engaging means as the yarn is traversed by said last-mentioned means and simultaneously moved through said zone.
 15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein the yarn engage said inclined surfaces as it is traversed by said first and second yarn-engaging means, and the attitude of the yarn between said surfaces is changed as the yarn is traversed.
 16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said inclined surfaces extend between said positions, and said inclined surfaces are progressively inclined as each extends between said positions. 17 A method of traversing yarn onto a rotating member to wind a package wherein the yarn is advanced to the rotating member while being reciprocated relative to said member by oppositely moving elements comprising the steps of, guiding the yarn through a restricted zone while reciprocating the yarn relative to said member to distribute the yarn thereon, tensioning the yarn in the restricted zone, positioning the yarn within said restricted zone in a first path for engagement by a first one of said elements and disengagement from a second of said elements at a first locus proximate one end of the package, and positioning the yarn within the restricted zone in a second path divergent from said first path for engagement by a second one of said elements and disengagement from said first element at a second locus proximate the opposite end of the package.
 18. The method according to claim 17 including the step of progressively moving the position of the yarn within said restricted zone about an axis parallel to said member while reciprocating the yarn. 